Nephi, in reflecting on the period before the family’s separation, notes that he was a “ruler and teacher” over his brothers, perhaps suggesting the crisis that triggered the separation. Laman and Lemuel knew the prophecy that Nephi would rule over them. Lehi had just reminded them about it. Nevertheless, they continued to assert the claims of birthright against Nephi’s divine assignment. When he sought to carry it out after Lehi’s death, Laman and Lemuel, seeing their fears become a reality, decided to murder Nephi. Their plan was foiled when Yahweh warned Nephi to flee with his followers.